Starting a business that sells products in Ohio? You’ll almost certainly need an Ohio vendor’s license — the state permit that authorizes you to collect sales tax from customers. And here’s the detail most websites still get wrong: the application fee doubled from $25 to $50 on April 9, 2025, under House Bill 366. If a guide you’re reading still says $25, it’s outdated.
What Is an Ohio Vendor’s License?
Ohio law requires any person or business making retail sales of tangible personal property or taxable services to hold a vendor’s license. The license is essentially your authorization to collect Ohio sales tax and remit it to the state. Selling without one when you’re required to have one can bring penalties — so get licensed before your first sale.
Who typically needs one:
- Retail stores and boutiques
- Online sellers with inventory or a physical presence in Ohio
- Restaurants, food trucks, and caterers
- Craft-show and flea-market vendors
- Service businesses selling taxable services (landscaping, cleaning, repair, and similar)
The 2025 Fee Increase: $25 → $50
Effective April 9, 2025, House Bill 366 raised the one-time vendor’s license application fee from $25 to $50. The additional $25 supports the Organized Crime Commission Fund (per O.R.C. § 177.011), which reimburses local law enforcement agencies that participate in organized-crime task forces.
Key facts about the fee:
- It’s a one-time fee — Ohio vendor’s licenses do not require annual renewal
- It applies to new applications; existing license holders don’t pay again
- Many county auditor websites and third-party guides still show the old $25 figure — now you know why they’re wrong
Types of Vendor’s Licenses
| License type | Who it’s for | Issued by | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular (county) vendor’s license | Businesses with a fixed place of business in Ohio — one license per sales location | County auditor | $50 one-time |
| Transient vendor’s license | Vendors selling at temporary locations (craft shows, flea markets, fairs) in a county where they have no fixed location | Ohio Department of Taxation | $50 one-time |
| Delivery vendor’s license | Businesses selling based on delivery of goods/services at the customer’s location | Ohio Department of Taxation | $50 one-time |
Note: older “service” vendor’s licenses were folded into the regular county license in 2012 — service providers with a fixed Ohio location now apply for a regular county license through the county auditor.
How to Get an Ohio Vendor’s License: Step by Step
- Determine your license type. Fixed Ohio location → regular county license. Selling temporarily around the state with no fixed location → transient license.
- Choose how to apply:
- Online: through the Ohio Business Gateway (the Ohio Department of Taxation’s portal)
- In person or by mail: at your county auditor’s office in the county where the business is located
- Pay the $50 fee. County auditors typically accept cash, check, and credit/debit cards (cards may carry a small processing fee, often around 2.4%).
- Receive your license and display it as required at your place of business.
- Start collecting sales tax at the correct rate for your county (Ohio’s state rate is 5.75% plus local add-ons — verify your county’s total rate).
For questions, the Ohio Department of Taxation’s business tax line is (888) 405-4089.
Not sure what rate to charge? Look up your county’s combined sales tax rate in our Ohio sales tax rate by county guide for 2026.
After You’re Licensed: Don’t Forget
- File and remit sales tax on schedule — filing frequency (monthly, quarterly, etc.) is assigned based on your sales volume.
- One license per location. Open a second storefront? You need a second regular vendor’s license.
- Keep your information current with the Department of Taxation if your business name, address, or ownership changes.
- A vendor’s license is not a general business license — you may separately need local permits, zoning approval, or registration with the Ohio Secretary of State.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an Ohio vendor’s license in 2026?
$50 — a one-time application fee, with no annual renewal. The fee rose from $25 on April 9, 2025, under House Bill 366. Ignore any site that still says $25.
Do I need a vendor’s license to sell at Ohio craft shows?
Yes, if you’re making retail sales of taxable goods. If you have no fixed Ohio location and sell at temporary venues, apply for a transient vendor’s license through the Ohio Department of Taxation (Ohio Business Gateway).
Does an Ohio vendor’s license expire?
No. Ohio vendor’s licenses have no expiration and no renewal requirement. You pay the $50 once.
Can I get a vendor’s license online in Ohio?
Yes — through the Ohio Business Gateway. You can also apply in person or by mail at your county auditor’s office.
Do I need a vendor’s license to sell on Etsy or Amazon from Ohio?
If you’re an Ohio-based seller making retail sales of tangible goods, you generally need a regular county vendor’s license — even for online-only sales. Marketplace facilitator rules may affect who collects the tax, but the license requirement still applies to Ohio sellers.
What happens if I sell without a vendor’s license in Ohio?
Selling taxable goods or services without the required license can trigger penalties, interest, and back taxes from the Department of Taxation — and you can’t legally collect sales tax from customers without one. The $50 one-time fee is far cheaper than the fines. If you’ve already been selling, get licensed and talk to a tax professional about voluntary disclosure.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not tax or legal advice. Tax rules are fact-specific — confirm your obligations with the Ohio Department of Taxation or a qualified tax professional.
